Lydia Treanor

Athlete of the Month

Lydia first got involved in Special Olympics Colorado when she was a freshman in high school where her Life Class teacher introduced her to Cathy Simbeck, the basketball coach in Durango. Currently, Lydia competes in basketball, soccer, flag football, snowboarding and softball.

Lydia’s favorite part about being involved in Special Olympics Colorado is meeting new people and being physically active. She is also a fitness captain, where she helps her fellow athletes stay healthy and take care of themselves. “I became a fitness captain so I could help other people out,” explained Lydia.

In addition to helping people, Lydia also works hard to get other people involved with Special Olympics Colorado. She says she loves SOCO because she get to go places and have fun.

Congratulations on being recognized as the January Athlete of the Month, Lydia!

The Warnock Family

Family of the Month

The Warnock Family was first introduced to Special Olympics Colorado Young Athletes at their daughter, Brooklyn’s preschool when she was 3 or 4 years old. They were then connected to our Young Athletes team and attended events that were interesting to Brooklyn. Once she was old enough to swim, they reached out to our Sr. Director of Young Athlete, Mandi, where they were then connected with the Buck Barracudas swim team.

As a family, they love the Special Olympics Colorado State Summer Games. “Our whole family has fond memories of the weekend,” said Jen (mother). “From the little things like staying in the dorms as a family, the fun dance party, fireworks and the wonderful people. Of course, Brooklyn loved the dunk tank and the swimming event.”

Jen also explained that Brooklyn really enjoys the community of people and feels loved for who she is. “Special Olympics Colorado provides an opportunity for our daughter to get involved in all kinds of activities that she would not traditionally do because she could not keep up with her peers,” she said. “It’s also a good resource for Brooklyn to find others friends like herself. Lastly, we like that all of our children are included in Young Athlete events whether it’s actually participating, helping other kiddos physically or providing encouragement.”

Jen added that for their family, Special Olympics Colorado is so wonderful because of the people. “Young Athlete Coordinators are amazing. Buck Barracudas volunteers are wonderful. We feel very blessed to be included in such a great organization that values the people,” she stated.

Congratulation to the Warnock Family on being recognized as the January Family of the Month!